ot an instant to lose. Upon her prompt
action might depend his life, and the safety of all on board.

Casting off her own terror with the resolve of desperation, she sprang
up and sped into the cabin. It was dark and empty. She passed through
it into the little stateroom, and with a whispered, "Papa! Papa!" felt
along the bunk. It too was empty and untumbled.

Oh, was she too late?

Still under the mental influence that made her believe hours must have
passed during her dreamings, she felt it must be nearing morning
now--that it was the depth of the night, in those darkest watches when
all evil deeds are done, and she was stiff and cold with terror. She
slipped out upon the deck, lying still and shadowy under its awnings,
sped across it like a shadow herself, and so on and up to the bridge.

Her father, calmly talking with one of his officers, saw the swift,
silent rush, and the next instant heard an agonized, "O father!
father!" as the poor child threw herself into his arms, Then, clinging
tightly, she broke out again before he could speak.

"Oh, save sister! Be quick and save her!"

"Save her? What--where--what ails you, child? What has happened?"

"And save yourself! Get the men together--the white men--"

"My child, are you asleep? What is the matter--where have you been?
Why, you are shaking like a leaf!"

He drew her to one side, and the officer discreetly vanished. Hope
begged again, "Save her, oh, save Faith!"

"Faith? Aren't you Faith? I thought you were. Is this my dauntless
Hope, then? Why, how strange! Tell me everything."

"It's those awful Lascars, papa. I've always been afraid of them, they
look so big and black. They're planning to kill somebody--to kill
you--and Faith is gone already."

"Gone? What nonsense is this? She's in the cabin, likely. You must
have a nightmare, Hope!"

"But isn't it most morning, papa?"

"Not anywhere near it--nor midnight either. Faith is somewhere about,
and as for killing--absurd! This isn't one bit like you, child.
Haven't you been dreaming?"

She told him then of her horrible awakening, and repeated the talk she
had heard below the porthole.

"Humph!" he said. "You're mistaken in their designs, but they
certainly had no business in that part of the ship. I must see about
that. Come; I'll take you in and hunt up sister." This was said in a
rather loud voice, made stern by his surprise and annoyance. In a
moment it softened.